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2 Dear New Jersey Home Buyer, Homeownership is the fulfillment of the American dream. As with any major purchase, you should understand the product before you buy it. However, unlike most other commodities, buying a residence can be a process much more complicated than comparing prices. That is why the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (NJDOBI) has prepared this guide to help you finance, shop for and insure your dream home. Purchasing a home will most likely be among your largest and most important investments. Therefore, it is very important that you understand as much as possible about the process of buying a home to ensure minimal stress and anxiety. From the fundamental question of why you should consider homeownership, to recording the deed and mortgage, this guide is designed to provide you with information you may need to know to buy your dream home. Disclaimer This booklet is for information purposes only, and must not be relied on as a substitute for legal advice. If you need more information about anything contained in this publication, visit the Department s web site, or call or write to the Department. Contact information is located on the back cover of this guide. Sincerely, Ken Kobylowski Commissioner

3 For most of us, the process of buying a home may seem complex and intimidating. Knowing where to start, what to do and what to look out for may save buyers time and money when purchasing a home. Note: If you have never owned a home or have not owned a home for the past three consecutive years, you are considered a first-time home buyer in New Jersey. Step 1: Getting Started Why Buy a Home? Why Not Buy? Assess Your Financial Situation Review Your Credit History What s the Score? Step 2: Going Shopping Shopping for a Mortgage Loan Choosing a Real Estate Professional Finding Your Dream Home Step 3: Making an Offer Put it in Writing Step 4: Getting Ready for Settlement Home Inspection, Title Search and More Financing Review Step 5: Insuring Your Home Home Insurance Basics What is Covered by a Homeowner s Insurance Policy? Common Exclusions Types of Policies Underwriting Guidelines Buying the Right Amount of Coverage Step 6: Sealing the Deal Settlement Statement Final Walk-Through Closing Recording the Deed and Mortgage Steps to Buying a Home 1

4 Step 1: Getting Started Why Buy a Home? Purchasing a home will most likely be among your largest and most important investments. Homeownership offers many benefits, but comes with certain responsibilities. Ultimately, you need to determine the pros and cons of owning a home to make the best decision for you and your family. In general, homeownership offers several advantages over renting: It can be a sound investment As you make mortgage payments over time, you accumulate equity the term used to refer to your net financial interest in the property. It is the difference between the amount still owed on the mortgage loan and the fair market value of the property. In contrast, rent payments never earn equity. Increasing value In general, property increases in value over time. This process is known as appreciation. (Note: Real estate value can depend on a number of variables, including the property s age and location, and appreciation is not guaranteed.) Any increased worth is equity you may be able to borrow against or take as profit upon the sale of the property. Tax advantages As a homeowner, you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your federal income taxes. Consult a tax professional for details. 2 Offers generally fixed housing expenses Unlike rent, which can increase annually, most mortgage loans have fixed or capped monthly payments. This can provide the financial security that comes from knowing what your maximum housing payments (with the exception of property taxes, homeowner s association fees, etc.) will be from year to year.

5 Step 1: Getting Started Gives you control over your environment Homeownership allows you the opportunity to customize your environment to match your individual tastes and needs. You can develop a feeling of permanence in a place that you can call your own. Of course, this also means that you are responsible for all utility costs and the cost of repairs and maintenance on the property. There is no landlord to maintain the property or take care of any problems. Why Not Buy? A realistic personal assessment may reveal that homeownership is not right for you or you might want to delay the process. Your personal and financial priorities will determine what s best for you. Be aware that buying a home: Can be a complex, time-consuming and costly process. May bring unwanted responsibilities such as maintenance and repairs and additional expenses property taxes, utilities, homeowner s insurance, etc. Can possibly create financial hardship. May be difficult if your credit is not favorable to a lender. Assess Your Financial Situation Before you begin looking for a home you may need to ask yourself: How much can I pay for a house and still have a life? You do not have to figure this out on your own. Consider getting pre-loan counseling from a Departmentlicensed nonprofit credit counselor or an approved high-cost home loan counselor registered with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (call or visit online at In most cases, a potential homeowner will need to obtain a mortgage loan an advance of funds from a lender to a borrower for the purchase of real estate. The mortgage itself is a legal document that sets forth the conditions of the loan, the manner and duration of repayment, and which pledges the 3

6 Step 1: Getting Started borrower s property (home) as security for the loan. The mortgage principal, the amount of the loan required to buy your home, and interest, the fee charged for borrowing the money, will typically be large enough to require mortgage payments for a significant period of time often 15 to 30 years. Commonly Used Mortgage Terms You will be living with mortgage loan payments for a large portion of your life. To accurately predict your monthly payment and to eliminate surprises later in the process, you will need to learn about some additional commonly used mortgage terms: 4 Debt to Income Ratio (DTI) One of the first factors a lender may consider when deciding how large a mortgage loan you qualify for is your debt to income ratio, or DTI. To calculate your DTI, add up your current monthly debt (credit card payments, car loans, etc.) and divide it by your total monthly pre-tax gross income. This percentage ratio is a simple way of showing how much of your income is available to make a mortgage loan payment after all other continuing debt obligations are met. Lenders often call this the 28/36 qualifying ratio. The first number, 28 percent, indicates the maximum amount of your monthly pre-tax gross income that the lender allows for monthly housing expenses. This amount will include principal and interest of the loan, property taxes, and homeowner s insurance, or PITI. The second number, 36 percent, refers to the maximum percentage of your monthly pre-tax gross income that the lender allows for all monthly housing expenses plus all recurring debt. If your ratio numbers are higher than 28/36, you may want to consider reducing debt by paying off credit cards or other loans before starting your home search. When calculating and relying on your DTI to determine loan affordability, be confident with your numbers and do not be afraid to stick with them as you shop around. Some lenders may allow higher ratios and be willing to loan you amounts that will take you beyond the traditional qualifying ratio and what you

7 Step 1: Getting Started can afford. This could lead to more costly monthly payments and might cause financial hardship if you find that your loan is not affordable once you have moved into your new home. Down Payment The down payment is part of the purchase price of a property that the buyer pays, usually in cash, and is not included in the loan amount. Most lenders require five to 20 percent of the purchase price of the home, depending on the type of mortgage loan. Review your budget and make a decision about how much of a down payment you can reasonably afford to pay. If you do not have enough, you may be able to qualify for a loan under various government programs that are available. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Any down payment less than 20 percent generally will require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which protects the lender against loss if a borrower defaults on a loan. While it does not protect the borrower, it may allow the borrower to qualify for a loan they could not otherwise get. The premium (the amount of money charged for insurance) is paid up front or financed as part of the mortgage. PMI usually can be cancelled when the homeowner builds up enough equity in the home. Under federal law, PMI on most loans made on or after July 29, 1999, will end automatically once the mortgage is paid down to 78 percent of the original value of the house. Interest Rate As you know, the interest rate is the cost of borrowing money. Mortgage loans have repayment terms in the general form of a fixed rate, where the monthly interest payment does not change over time. This is often called a conventional mortgage. Another common type of mortgage loan is the variable or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). An ARM has an interest rate that changes periodically during the loan s life. Conventional loans are generally thought of as more stable as they are not subject to fluctuating interest rates that can make dramatic swings over a long period of time. This accounts for the popularity of fixed rates, which often attract borrowers who plan to stay in one place for a considerable amount of time. The length of these loans most frequently selected is the 30-year mortgage, but 15-year and 40-year have grown in popularity. 5

8 Step 1: Getting Started Also more popular is the ARM, which will lock the borrower into a lower fixedrate for a specific period of time, often five years, and then will rise according to terms agreed to in the loan. An ARM and another type of loan more popular today, interest-only mortgages, make owning a home more affordable early in the ownership period and drive up costs later. These types of mortgages may work well for first-time home buyers who are reasonably confident of an income increase that will compensate for the rise in loan payments. It also attracts those who expect to sell a home before the fixed-rate portion of the ARM ends. Your lender will give you the option to lock in a rate quote for a specific period of time, often 60 days. A rate lock fixes the rate against a rise in rates, but rates may also fall in the time between the quote and your closing date. When filing your mortgage application, make sure you review your loan terms carefully to make certain you understand the rates and fees charged. Should you decide to lock in a rate, be certain to allow enough time so that you close before your lock-in expires. Review Your Credit History Your current debt is not the only factor used in the lending process. Your credit history will also impact the interest rate and terms of your loan, the minimum amount of your down payment, or even if you will receive a loan at all. Get a copy of your credit report from one or all three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). New Jersey and federal law entitles residents to one free report from each agency per year. A credit report gives potential creditors a snap shot of your credit worthiness. It will show what types of credit you currently have and/or what you have had in the past. It also shows if you have paid your bills on time, filed for bankruptcy, or if you have ever been evicted from a rental property. 6 It is important to make repairs to your credit history before you apply for a mortgage loan. Check your credit report(s) for any discrepancies that may have a negative impact on your ability to secure financing. If you find any errors, contact the reporting agency immediately and request a correction.

9 Step 1: Getting Started Get Your Free Credit Report The best loan terms go to individuals with the best credit history. A poor credit rating will likely mean a more expensive loan. The difference between having just okay credit and good credit can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Access all three reports: Or contact the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax: Experian: TransUnion: You can establish good credit by: Having a steady source of income; this usually means working consistently for two to three years. Having a good record of paying your bills on time. Keeping outstanding long-term debts low. Putting money in a savings account. If your credit is not in good shape, you may want to wait to purchase a home and spend the time needed to repair your credit instead. You may wish to consult a certified credit counselor who can help you get back on track. What s the Score? Your credit score or FICO (for Fair, Isaac and Company, which created the system) is a number that indicates the health of your credit. The higher the score, the healthier your credit and the more likely a lender will approve a loan with good terms. Scores can range from 300 to over 800, with the typical credit score falling between 600 and 700. You can receive your credit score from the credit reporting agencies for a reasonable fee. 7

10 Step 2: Going Shopping Shopping for a Mortgage Loan As with any major purchase, it pays to shop around when looking for a mortgage loan. Different lenders will offer different terms, have different requirements, and offer varying levels of service. Pre-Qualify or Pre-Approval for a Mortgage Following a personal assessment of your financial situation, you need to find out how much house you can afford. To help determine the amount you may be eligible to borrow for a mortgage loan, consider getting pre-qualified with a mortgage lender. This free service generally takes about two days and involves providing income, asset and debt information to a lender who may issue a letter to the home shopper. 8 Taking this process a step further, a potential home buyer may get pre-approved for a mortgage. This means getting a guaranteed loan for a certain amount that generally lasts for 60 to 90 days from the date issued. A pre-approved loan may involve a nonrefundable fee, but is often considered an advantage for a buyer because it speeds up Know Your Lender the closing process. Be sure to ask the lender about the types of loans available to you and if there are any qualifying guidelines; what is the minimum down payment; and what would be included in the monthly mortgage payment typically, the principal and interest of the loan, property taxes, and homeowner s insurance, or PITI. Your payment may also include Private Mortgage Insurance and any homeowner s association dues, if applicable. When shopping for a mortgage loan, don t be afraid to ask basic questions, with the most basic being the official name of the lender. Find out the true identity of the lender. Are they a licensed lender, financial institution, or simply a servicing company? Is the company licensed by the state of New Jersey? Ask for the company s license number and confirm it with the Department of Banking and Insurance online at

11 Step 2: Going Shopping Some factors to consider when shopping for a mortgage loan Loan first, house second Find out how much house you can afford before you fall in love with a house that you will struggle to purchase and maintain. Consider getting pre-qualified or pre-approved A written commitment from a lender puts a potential home buyer in a better position. Know the application costs There may be a fee required to apply for a mortgage. This fee might be charged when you apply, when the loan is approved, or at closing. Be sure you know how much this fee is and when it will be charged. Look for a reputable lender Remember, a lender makes a commission from closing or selling the loan, not from looking out for your best interest. Consider the lender s stability and service record. Understand the interest rate Remember to ask if the loan has a fixed or adjustable rate of interest. A fixed-rate mortgage charges a set rate of interest that does not change over the life of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage varies over time. This could make a big difference in what your monthly payments will be. Consider getting the interest rate locked in Rates quoted prior to closing are subject to change unless they are locked in. Locking in your interest rate on an application is often preferable to waiting until the loan is approved. Be Prepared Collect all the financial papers you will need to complete a mortgage loan application. This can include your job history, income records, a list of your assets (investments, property, bank accounts) and liabilities (auto loans, installment loans, other mortgages, credit card debt). 9

12 Step 2: Going Shopping Know the Law The New Jersey Homeowners Security Act of 2002 (NJHOSA), with amendments in 2004, applies to all home loans secured by New Jersey realty or manufactured homes. This law is designed to protect consumers when buying a home, and includes several provisions of which you should be aware. The Homeowners Security Act explicitly prohibits lenders from: Financing certain credit insurance premiums or debt cancellation agreements; Recommending or encouraging default on an existing mortgage loan; Charging a late payment fee in excess of 5 percent of the amount of the payment due; Accelerating indebtedness at the creditor s sole discretion; and Charging a fee for a borrower s payoff balance information. Additional protections apply to high-cost loans. High-cost loans are more than 8 percent higher than the federal index or exceed 4.5 percent of the total loan amount in points and fees. For high-cost loans, lenders are prohibited from (among other provisions): Charging most balloon payments (see below); Negative amortization (when the principal balance of the loan increases even though all payments are being made); Increasing the interest rate after default; and Requiring more than two periodic payments to be paid in advance. For more information, visit Beware of Balloon Mortgage Payments A mortgage with periodic installments of principal and interest that do not fully amortize (repay over time) the loan and then has a lump sum payment required at a certain date, often near the end of the term, is frequently called a balloon mortgage. Watch out for hidden lump sum payments. Make sure that you read the full terms of your loan agreement. 10

13 Step 2: Going Shopping Predatory Lending Predatory lending can mean any type of abusive lending practice where the lender benefits through unworthiness, deceit, misrepresentation, bad faith, or dishonesty. These practices can occur in the subprime lending market and often target lower-income and minority borrowers. Subprime lending is not synonymous with predatory lending, however, and loans with subprime features are not necessarily predatory in nature. (For more information on subprime loans, see NJDOBI s A Homeowner s Guide to Subprime Lending brochure.) Some common forms of Predatory Lending: Unaffordable loans Loans that are based on equity or assets rather than the borrower s monthly income and ability to make payments. Loan flipping Encouraging repeated refinancing which requires additional fees and points from the borrower each time thus draining the borrower s assets. You could become burdened with higher payments, larger debt and ultimately face the possibility of losing your home. Fraud or deception Concealing the true nature of the loan obligation from the borrower. Bait and switch Verbal representations of favorable terms are made to sell a loan and different, less favorable terms are presented at the closing. Pressure Aggressive sales tactics are used to induce a borrower to sign an expensive, or unaffordable loan contract. Read Carefully Before You Sign on the Dotted Line Avoid being a victim of predatory lending by doing your homework and shopping around. Do not focus simply on interest rates, and learn all of the terms and conditions of the loan. Do not sign anything you have not read or do not understand completely, and never sign a blank or incomplete document you never know what may be filled in after you have signed. Always work with a licensed lender, broker or depository institution, and do not give in to high-pressure sales techniques. This is one of the biggest financial commitments you will make in your life, so shop on your time, at your pace. (For more information about finalizing your mortgage, see page 21.) 11

14 Step 2: Going Shopping Choosing a Real Estate Professional All the details involved in buying a home can be confusing. Finding the right real estate professional for you is a great first step toward making the experience much easier. In New Jersey, there are four brokerage business relationships: seller s agent, buyer s agent, disclosed dual agent and transaction broker. Each of these relationships imposes certain legal duties and responsibilities on the licensee, as well as the seller or buyer represented. All four of these types of agents must be licensed by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC), a division of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. Agents are required to demonstrate, to the Real Estate Commission s satisfaction, that they are honest, trustworthy and of good character and integrity in order to obtain a license. All licensed agents work under the authority of a real estate broker. One of the best sources for finding an agent you can trust is through referrals. Ask someone you know who has recently purchased or sold property about their experience. Compile a list of several agents and talk to each one before choosing. Look for an agent who listens well, understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources to help you in your search. Overall, you want to choose an agent that makes you feel comfortable and can provide the knowledge and services you need. All REC Licensees must: Deal honestly with all parties. Disclose any known physical condition of properties sold or leased that affects the property in a material way. 12 Faithfully administer escrow funds.

15 Choosing a Real Step Estate 2: Going Professional Shopping Submit all written offers according to rules and regulations. Disclose in the contract any personal interest the agent has in the transaction. Prior to discussing any real estate matters, disclose to all parties the agent s business relationship seller s agent, buyer s agent, dual agent or transaction broker. Provide the Consumer Information Statement prescribed by the REC. Commission Rates When a real estate agent facilitates the sale or purchase of property their broker receives compensation through a commission generally a percentage of the sale price. Brokerage firms (real estate agencies) that provide a full array of services charge a commission based on that level of service. Some firms provide fewer services and charge a commission rate based upon that level of services. Consumers are always free to attempt to negotiate a lower commission rate. If you have any questions concerning the behavior of an agent or broker, you should contact the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. The Real Estate Commission cannot recommend a broker or agent to represent you, but it can confirm the status of a license. To check the status of a licensee, visit the Commission on the web at Exclusive Buyer/Agency Contracts The Exclusive Buyer/Agency Contract is an optional agreement that some brokerage firms (agencies) choose to present to their clients. Once signed, this contract is binding for both the agent and the buyer. The intent of these agreements is to make sure the buyer and his or her agent understand that the agent is working on behalf of the buyer, and the buyer will use the services of that particular brokerage firm (agency) exclusively for a designated period of time. If you are presented with this type of agreement, make sure your agent explains the content in detail and you fully understand and agree to what you are signing. 13

16 Step 2: Going Shopping Finding Your Dream Home Everyone s idea of a dream home may be different, so it is important to formulate a list of the features and benefits you would like in a home. Consider factors such as pricing, location, size, amenities and design. It often pays to attend several open houses where sellers open up their homes to potential buyers. You can see a variety of options to help you develop a list of your requirements. Your real estate professional will be able to provide guidance and help. Consider these factors as you narrow your search: Quality and availability of schools and libraries; Proximity to work, major highways and mass transportation; Immediacy of shopping, religious centers, hospitals and recreation facilities/parks; Property tax rates, income tax rates and other community expenses as compared with similar homes in other neighborhoods (i.e., association fees, snow and trash removal, common ground maintenance); Utility expenses, trash collection and sewage disposal (past utility expenses are available from the utility company); Availability of public services such as police and fire protection; Local zoning ordinances and condition of other properties in the neighborhood. Next, consider your priorities. If you can t find a home within your price range with all the features you want, then decide which features are most important to you. Would you prefer a large kitchen or an extra bathroom? Would you trade a bigger yard for a shorter commute? Write out this list and share it with your real estate professional. This will help your agent limit the search to only those homes truly of interest to you. 14

17 What Step is Your 2: Going Dream Shopping Home? If you look at more than a few homes, they can quickly become a blur. To help keep track, refer to your list of priorities and make notes of which of your desired features are in each house. It is easiest to do this on the listing sheets that agents often provide for you, which can include a photo and certain information regarding the property. Afterwards, compile a worksheet based on your priorities and give each house a rating. Pay Attention to the Details Once you have begun to narrow down specific properties, go beyond the surface appearance and look carefully at each house. Be sure to examine the physical details and construction. Particular details about a home may be available in a residential property disclosure form, if the seller has completed one. This form is a questionnaire that gives you an overview of the physical history and condition of the property according to the seller s knowledge. The listing agent presents the form to the seller, who should complete it truthfully. It then becomes a part of the file on that particular property. Ask your real estate professional for a copy. As you progress through the home buying process you may also want to consider having a home inspection conducted by a professional third party (see page 19). New Construction Building a new home presents its own set of complications. First, you must find a reputable builder who is involved in an area where you would like to live. Then you must evaluate various lots within the development and select a floor plan which suits your needs. Frequently the builder will have its own financing package, which you will want to compare against other mortgages from various lenders. If the home comes with a warranty, be sure to read it carefully and note what is covered and for how long. Consider having the home inspected by a professional third party (see page 19). Find a Builder If you would like more information on new construction, visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs at (where you can access a list of registered New Jersey home builders and find information regarding the state s New Home Warranty Program). It is very important to find out what is included with the basic home and what is considered an upgrade. Don t assume that all you see in the builder s model is standard. Most builders offer a wide range of options from doors and windows to flooring to countertops and fixtures. 15

18 Step 3: Making an Offer Put it in Writing Once you have selected a house, you need to make an offer. At this point, you may want to have a lawyer. Legal Counsel Many home buyers choose to be represented by an attorney during the home buying process; however, it is not a requirement. Since real estate agents and brokers cannot advise you on legal matters, an attorney will be your advocate in contract negotiations and any disputes that may arise before or at a real estate settlement. While retaining an attorney is an additional expense, attorney fees will be much higher in the event of any legal action. An attorney you retain represents your interests only and can provide valuable assistance and advice. Shopping for an attorney is comparable to shopping for a real estate agent. Look for reliable recommendations. Choose an attorney who has experience with real estate transactions, has represented home buyers before and is right for you. Be sure to ask what services are performed and what they cost. Note: An attorney who acts as a general closing agent is usually retained by the lender or others involved in the transaction. This attorney does not represent the buyer in any dispute with the seller, lender or others involved in the transaction. Only an attorney you retain represents your interests as the buyer. To locate an attorney in your area, contact the New Jersey State Bar Association at to locate your county bar association for a referral. 16 Offer to Purchase You, as the interested buyer, may work with your real estate agent to prepare a preliminary document called a purchase offer for the seller to consider. (Some agents will begin with a contract of sale see page 17.) An offer to purchase is a written preliminary proposal that states what you are willing to pay for the home, the estimated closing date and certain other terms that you might want included in the contract that the buyer and seller need to agree

19 Step 3: Making an Offer upon. (An example of this might be the inclusion of any appliances or light fixtures.) Remember, the terms of the offer to purchase may become a part of the actual contract of sale if your offer is accepted and a contract is signed. Along with this offer you will typically include an earnest money deposit, a nominal amount to show that a buyer is serious about the purchase. This deposit will become part of your down payment, the total amount of cash for the home purchase that is not financed. This deposit should be placed in an escrow account in this case, a monetary trust maintained by a third party (an escrow agent) to hold money safely while a sale is in progress. The seller may accept your offer to purchase, reject it, or make a counteroffer. If a seller wants to change any part of the offer, you may receive a counter-offer specifying those changes. You have the option to accept the counter-offer or you may respond by presenting one of your own. These counter-offers are sometimes verbally communicated between the agents and their clients, but should be memorialized in writing within 24 hours. Copies should be provided to all interested parties. Typically, this document and its contents are subject to the parties entering into a full contract and are not legally binding. In such cases, it is only when the contents of the offer to purchase become a part of the terms and conditions of the contract of sale that they become legally binding. If, for some reason, you decide that you want to revoke your offer, you should immediately notify your real estate agent and/or your attorney if you have one. Contract of Sale A contract of sale is a legally binding document that sets forth the terms of the home purchase. If you started the negotiating process with an offer to purchase, the contract of sale will include the contents of the offer to purchase, as finally agreed upon by the parties, plus any additional details and terms. If the contract of sale is prepared by a real estate licensee, it must contain a provision known as the attorney review clause, which provides that the buyer and seller have three (3) business days from the date that the completely signed contracts are delivered, to consult with an attorney. During this three-day period, if you choose to use an attorney, he or she may propose revisions to the contract on your behalf or render it null and void. 17

20 Step 3: Making an Offer Your contract should clearly set forth the following terms: The total price you agree to pay; The amount of down payment you will make; Any and all escrowed deposits to date; Anything in the house or attachments that you would like to be included, such as appliances, drapes, chandeliers, fireplace tools, etc.; The amount of time after the offer is accepted you will have to arrange financing; When the transaction will close or title will transfer; When you will take possession of the property; Provisions for title searches, and insect, structural and other inspections (see pages 19-21). Note: If you choose to have an attorney prepare your contract of sale (this might be an additional expense), it may or may not include a three-day review period. Be sure to have your attorney explain your rights. Deposits or Earnest Money An earnest money deposit is made with the initial offer to purchase to show that the buyer is serious about purchasing the property. During the settlement process, the deposit money is usually applied as a part of the down payment towards the purchase price. Typically an additional deposit is made sometime while the contract is being executed. A scheduled date for this deposit is reflected on the contract. An escrow agent specified in the contract will hold the deposit money in an escrow account. If the offer is not accepted, you are usually entitled to a refund of your deposit. If the transaction does not settle, there could be a dispute over who is entitled to the deposit. The matter could wind up in court for resolution. The contract may contain terms for the return or forfeiture of any earnest money deposit. Therefore, you need to read and understand this section of the contract carefully. 18

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HOMEBUYERS ROAD MAP Navigating with a REALTOR YOUR REALTOR CAN HELP YOU: REALTORS are experienced in everything you need to know and do when buying a home. Navigate the home buying process and paperwork

HOME BUYER S H A N D B O O K Helpful Information To Find and Finance Your Next Home Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. A home can be an excellent investment

Coming to Grips With Settlement Coming to Grips With Settlement What to Know Before Your Closing The closing, also known as the settlement, is the last step in getting your mortgage and actually becoming

Table of Contents I. Introduction II. III. IV. Before You Buy Purchasing Time-line Are You Ready to be a Homeowner? Determining What You Can Afford Shopping for a House Role of the Real Estate Broker Role

How To Live The American Dream Your guide to buying a home. Wright-Patt Believes: Helping member-owners achieve the American Dream of homeownership is one of our most important roles Homeownership is the

Using Credit to Your Advantage. Topic Overview. The Using Credit To Your Advantage topic will provide participants with all the basic information they need to understand credit what it is and how to make

Wisconsin REALTORS Association First-Time Home Buyers Guide Congratulations! You have decided to buy a new home. This booklet will help you take this big step by describing the key issues you will deal

HOME BUYING MADE EASY Live the dream of owning your own home. sm Getting started For most of us, buying our first home is a dream come true. It s also a lengthy process where potential and sometimes very

The following breaks down the Loan Estimate by section with examples from Encompass followed by official commentary. Also attached, is a copy of a completed Loan Estimate form provided by the Encompass..

Mortgage Loans Understand the Terms of Your Loan before You Sign This brochure can help you determine what is best for your situation, become familiar with mortgage loan terms, and learn what is involved

APPENDIX A TO PART 3500 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING HUD-1 AND HUD-1A SETTLEMENT STATEMENTS; SAMPLE HUD-1 AND HUD-1A STATEMENTS The following are instructions for completing the HUD-1 settlement statement,

Mortgage Glossary 203(b): FHA program which provides mortgage insurance to protect lenders from default; used to finance the purchase of new or existing one- to four family housing; characterized by low

Preparing for homeownership What we ll cover 1. Getting ready for homeownership 2. Mortgage basics 3. What you need to buy a home 4. Finding the right home 5. Resources 2 Getting ready for homeownership

Your Home Financing Process Checklist As you prepare to purchase a home or refinance your loan, it s important to know what to expect along the way. Here, we ve outlined some of the general steps in the

This Guide was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation The Residential Buying Process This brochure will help you understand the process of buying residential

Mortgage Loan Application Package PURCHASE LOANS OF 1-4 FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ONLY Section 1: Application documents For loans to purchase a residential property, the following is required to be obtained with

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING AND SELLING A HOME This brochure will outline laws and issues that affect consumers in their purchase and sale of real property LOAN ISSUES Predatory Lending There are

Mortgage Terms Glossary Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) A mortgage where the interest rate is not fixed, but changes during the life of the loan in line with movements in an index rate. You may also see

OFFICE OF THE STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE 48 TH FIGHTER WING, RAF LAKENHEATH, UK Looking for the Best Mortgage BUYING A HOME Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing

HOME BUYING MADE EASY Live the dream of owning your own home. HOME buying Made Easy PNC, PNC AgentView and Home Insight are registered service marks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ( PNC ). PNC

OFFER HOMEBUYERS ROAD MAP Navigating with a REALTOR Your REALTOR can help you: REALTORS are experienced in everything you need to know and do when buying a home. Navigate the home buying process and paperwork

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Guide for Homebuyers Tips for Getting a Safe Mortgage You Can Afford Q u i c k S u m m a ry Figure out what you can afford. Contact at least 3 different lenders or brokers. When you call, say: I m buying

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR A HOME OF YOUR OWN Buying a Home Reaching a Dr eam Owning a home is a cherished part of the American dream. Buying that home also may be the largest financial investment you will

NON-RESIDENTS PURCHASING REAL PROPERTY IN THE U.S. A. The Attorneys Role in the Purchase of Real Estate The purchase of real estate in the U.S. without the proper assistance can become a complex transaction.

FOLLOWING UP Receiving the keys is just the first step in becoming a homeowner. Whether you are purchasing a new or used home, there are a number of responsibilities you should follow through on to ensure

Glossary A Adjustable Rate Mortgage - An adjustable rate mortgage, commonly referred to as an ARM, is a loan type that allows the lender to adjust the interest rate during the term of the loan. Generally,

Real estate terms and definitions Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The total yearly cost of a mortgage as expressed by the actual rate of interest paid. The APR includes the base interest rate, points and

The Path Refinancing totalmortgage.com 877-868-2503 www.totalmortgage.com October 1 2012 The Path Refinancing Over time, many things change and need adjustment, and the reality is your home financing is

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Buying Your First Home in Canada What Newcomers Need to Know A PLACE TO CALL HOME. A PLACE OF YOUR OWN. You ve made Canada your new home and now you re looking for a place of your own. Buying a house is

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Housing Office of Single Family Housing The Guide to Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov Becoming a Homeowner Many

A Guide to Buying a Home Latino Community Credit Union & Latino Community Development Center A Guide to Buying a Home Angelica s Dreams: An Immigrant Family s Path to Homeownership Latino Community Credit

Real Estate Council of British Columbia Selling a Home IN BRITISH COLUMBIA WWW. RECBC. CA The Real Estate Council of British Columbia protects the public interest by assuring the competency of real estate

Actions to Take Before Buying a Home Today As the housing downturn has shown, homeownership is about more than buying a home you have to make sure you can keep the home over the long term. If you re thinking

STUDENT MODULE 10.3 RENTING VERSUS BUYING PAGE 1 Standard 10: The student will explain and compare the responsibilities of renting versus buying a home. Buying a House Hank and Peggy decide it is finally

First Timer s Guide PREParing First Time Homebuyers SO MANY QUESTIONS Maybe you live in the best apartment with a great landlord and don t want to change a thing. Or maybe you ve looked at the rent going

Thank you for taking the time to download our Homebuyer s Kit. TJC Mortgage knows that you have options when choosing a mortgage company to assist with your home purchase and we want you to know that we